Travel-and-Leisure
9 Reasons to Make Belize Your Next Destination
Belize is an extraordinary country, it is slightly smaller then the size of Massachusetts and the population is just over 280,000 (that is smaller then the size of the capital city of Tallahassee). The country is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico.
Returning to Belize feels like coming back home, to a 'small town' not an entire country.
Be sure to look at another informative article, Belize History: The Maya, Spanish, and British Occupation to give you a brief introduction to the rich history of this country.
I also recommend the CIA ? World Fact Book web page on Belize to provide you with even more information.
On to the reasons to visit Belize.............
1) Extremely friendly people who welcome you to their country! Belize is home to over 11 different ethnic groups that primarily include Maya, mestizo, Garifuna, Creoles, Mennonites, and British (and a number of US Expats!).
2) A rich ancient and modern Maya culture, Belize was settled by the Maya who constructed major monumental architecture that still exists today after more then 2,000 years has passed. See the EzineArticle on Belize: Maya Ruins & Archaeological Sites You Don't Want to Miss.
3) UNESCO World Heritage Site ? Belize's Barrier Reef ? the largest reef in western hemisphere. The coral reef, warm waters, and beautiful atolls offer some of the world's best snorkeling and diving.
4) Being able to communicate easily since English is the official language makes your experience that much more rich and meaningful.
5) It also helps that the exchange rate is not complicated $1 US = $2 BZ (not that you can't handle difficult ones!)
6) Belize is close to home and safe, just a little over 2 hours from Houston or Miami.
7) Archaeologists have helped to explore the extensive cave systems that contain prehistoric remains, including ceramics, stone tools, and cave art. These caves also offer visitors an adventurous, although not too strenuous chance to tube, canoe, explore, and hike through these incredible formations.
8) Extraordinary jungle lodges, beautiful beachfront cabanas, and incredible food!
9) Authentic and meaningful travel when you spend real time in Indian Church Village, helping out, you'll see how little they have and how happy they are, often surprising, but experiencing this can positively enhance your own outlook on life.
You'll truly love this unique Central American country!
Laura J. Howard holds a Masters' of Science degree in Anthropology with a specilization in Maya archaeology. After researching in Belize for five years after her graduate work she now splits her time between south Florida and Belize. She has been active in Belize tourism and Maya archaeology since 1996, and now has a unique ecotourism company, Beyond Touring, that focuses soley on Belize, the ancient Maya, and natural history. Beyond Touring also offers an authentic cross-cultural experience that allows clients to 'give back' to the wonderful areas they visit in Belize. The projects Beyond Touring supports aim to provide sustainable economic endeavors for local residents of Belize, specifically Indian Church Village, located in northern Belize and adjacent to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Belize or Travel Information: http://www.beyondtouring.com For Community Development: http://www.beyondtouring.com/Giveback/Scholarship.htm |
Laura J. Howard
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